Dr. Claudia Benavides, associate professor of sports management, is leader for the second edition of the Red Wolves Leadership Academy Study Abroad Program now underway in London. Arkansas State's all-Athletics Department study abroad program involves student participants from multiple sports programs. Hear comments from her along with four of the students anticipating the experience in a video, available here.

Harvey Lee, Information Technology Services, provides outstanding customer service university-wide and helps his coworkers with requests both big and small. For his efforts, he was recognized during the Distinguished Performance Awards program with the STAR (service, teamwork, attitude and reliability) Award for 2015-16. Nominators said Lee demonstrates excellence and patience in resolving conflicts, and is always friendly, helpful, enthusiastic, reliable and persistent when facing challenges.

David Handwork, who has been serving in an interim capacity, has been appointed assistant vice chancellor for facilities. Previously director of planning, design and construction, Handwork joined the A-State staff in 2001 and has been closely involved with numerous major projects in recent years. He previously received the staff Distinguished Performance Award and the APPA Pacesetter Award. A news release has more details.

Natalie Turney, Department of English, Philosophy, & World Languages, received the Unsung Hero Award at the staff Distinguished Performance Awards program. Her nominators said she is behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly, especially last year during the transition from Wilson Hall to the new Humanities and Social Sciences Building. She also helped take up the slack during a colleague's medical leave.

Dr. Donna Handley, assistant professor of public administration, was co-author of a successful application to the Wahl Foundation for a $20,000 grant to the Rocky Ridge Elementary School in Birmingham, Ala. Funding will support a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) program introducing students to computer science, engineering and biomedical science concepts and providing professional development for the teachers. Details are in a news release.